The government relations team’s work can be described using three words: inform, access, and advocate. The ACCESS series is a great example of how we do this work. Throughout the ACCESS series, Chamber members will have the opportunity to interact personally with and ask questions of the top local elected officials around the Charleston Metro Region.

Elected leaders will answer questions, address current issues facing their community and ways the business community can help. Following the program, members and elected leaders are invited to join us for a happy hour reception.

Supervisor Cribb joined Chamber members on May 25 to discuss challenges and opportunities facing Berkeley County. The County is the second fastest growing in the state and in the top 1% for growth in the nation. Supervisor Cribb is focused on improving quality of life issues facing Berkeley County residents like roads, green space, and public services.

Please see below for some key takeaways:

• By the time Berkeley County asks the voters to renew the penny sales tax, all the projects from the 2014 penny will be started, in progress or completed.
• Previous penny sales tax projects include:
  • Clements Ferry Road- Phase 1
  • Clements Ferry Road- Phase 2 (under construction)
  • I-26 & Nexton Parkway Interchange
  • US 176 widening (under construction)
  • Henry Brown Blvd.- Phase 1
  • Henry Brown Blvd.- Phase 2 (under construction)
  • US 176 & Nexton Parkway Intersection
  • Daniel Island Dr. at Seven Farms Roundabout
• The new penny sales tax will have a greenbelt component for the first time.
• The County has a AA+ Bond rating, that will allow them to add on to the jail and build a new courthouse without a tax increase

Supervisor Cribb said, “when you quit thinking like people and start thinking like government, you are in trouble.” He is working to run the County as efficiently as possible while still providing all of the necessary services to the community. The business community can help by advocating for the penny sales tax referendum in Berkeley County. Dedicated funding to support these crucial infrastructure projects will lead to increased road capacity, reduced commute times, and safer roads. The Chamber looks forward to continuing to work with Berkeley County to initiate, advocate and empower our region to advance a prosperous business environment.